Three-day stays delivered for newborns

In tough economic times and as election year campaigning heats up, two Government parties competing for votes together pledged $34.4 million in last week’s Budget 2026 funding for supporting mothers and newborn babies.

As part of the National Party-New Zealand First coalition agreement, the $34.4m is dedicated over four years to increasing maternity beds and the numbers of specialised, supporting healthcare workers, “so mothers can stay in hospital or a primary maternity unit for up to three days after giving birth”.

“Right from the start, we’re focused on building the future, and there’s no more important investment than supporting mothers and giving their babies the best possible start from day one,” said local Botany MP and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at Botany Downs Birthing Unit.

“We want mothers and babies to have more time, care, and support in those crucial days after birth.”

Luxon was flanked at the birthing unit by Pakuranga MP and Health Minister Simeon Brown, multi-portfolio Minister Louise Upston, and National MP Catherine Wedd.

“Places like this remind us why the work we do matters every day,” Luxon said.

“Families welcome new babies into the world here at this place, and with that, of course, comes tremendous hope and opportunity, and the future of our country.

“I want every baby born here, and in every hospital, and every maternity unit across New Zealand to have the very best possible start to life, supported by loving families and skilled healthcare professionals.”

Brown said: “When mothers are supported early, outcomes are better for babies, parents, and the wider health system.

“But when maternity services are under pressure, mothers can sometimes feel rushed to return home before they are ready.

“We want mothers and babies to have the time, care, and support they need after childbirth, which is why Budget 2026 invests in the additional capacity and staffing needed to safely deliver longer postnatal stays.”

The Health Minister says jobs will be created in the maternity sector.

“We know this change must be properly supported to ensure maternity services can safely deliver longer stays.

“That’s why this funding is focused on expanding maternity capacity and infrastructure, while supporting the workforce needed to deliver longer stays safely and sustainably.”

The funding is for the Three Day Postnatal Stay Amendment Bill, which was introduced by Wedd and progressing through Parliament.

NZ First’s Associate Health Minister Casey Costello says: “We’re focused on giving babies the best possible start in life and providing mothers with choice over how and where they receive support after giving birth.

“The days immediately after birth are intense, emotional, and physically demanding.

“Mothers are recovering from childbirth while learning to feed, settle, and care for a baby – often with very little sleep and a lot of uncertainty.

“This funding will help maternity services expand capacity and support more staff so mothers and babies can receive the care and support they need during those first critical days.”

Luxon said he wants children to “grow up in a country with world-class schools, safe communities and a strong economy that provides opportunities that rewards hard work and supports those who need it most”.

“That depends on a government that’s focused on fixing the basics and building the future.”